something for rear ac?

[haus]

i need some ideas.

here's my problem... i need to build my blazer for an unknown environment. i don't know (when i get back to the states) if i'll be way up north, in the southwest, or anywhere in between - so think for worst case... also, this is the only vehicle i own in the states, so the whole family might be riding in it - also worst case.

i'm sure any ac setup would be fine for the front seats, but i need to get the back seat to cool off when i crank the air. what are y'all running for an a/c system? how well does it work? does it cool off the back at all? right now, i've got the normal ac ducting and interior stuff all there, but that's it. so you got a blank slate to draw on.

so here's the question, what would you like to have?

[bouncytruck]

My stock AC system does a good job of cooling the back seat when the hard top is on. When the soft top is on, just remove the side windows or drop the top all together and it's all good. Heating the rear (and the front) when it's below freezing can be a bit of a challenge.

[haus]

ahh, good point. i hadn't got that far yet... any ideas for heating too? i've seen those little jobbies that you plug into your cigarette lighter, but that's like a bandaid...

[abebummy26]

73-91 suburban rear heater

[haus]

man, you guys rock! two posts and my little fire get put out!

[Critter]

I've always wanted to get a newer style chevy center console from a truck or SUV that has the rear facing A/C vents. The trick would be getting some ductwork from under the dash to the console sitting between the front seats. This would help get a little more air to the back area...and be a cool mod!

[bouncytruck]

I wouldn't think it would be too hard to split the a/c lines and run a duct through a center console.

When you use the ashtray cupholder conversion kit, it comes with some duct block-off for the center A/C vent (there are two hoses going to it and the kit blocks off one) and it doesn't effect the air flow. I would think you could use that same theory and reroute one of the hoses to the center duct down and back.

I believe there were also factory rear heaters for the 6-72 suburbans too. There was one for sale on the board several years I considered buying, but it required hoses from the engine back to it and holes cut in the floor, so I decided not to get it.

[MickMc]

I was shopping at the local U-Pull-it and saw several rear AC units in Suburbans and even a rear heater.

The units are out there.

My local U-Pull-It is starting to nickle and dime me to death. They carge for every single little thing, i.e. I pulled a conversion suburban rear AC/heater unit, they wanted to charge me for the condenser, for the heater, for the blower motor, for the lines, for the switch...I walked, they didn't get my cash, I'm already getting nickled and dimed by everyone else why add to the list.


Mick

PS rear AC in Blazer would be too cool.

[68gmcdually]

Up until 3 weeks ago I never had owned a vehicle with rear a/c or heat. My wife's Durango has it and it is wonderful. We went away this past weekend and everyone could have their own zones. If and when I ever have the money to build a blazer or suburban I am def. going to try and do this mod. Good Luck.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Im working on rear heat but Have no need for a/c seems like and aftermarket a/c company would be able to hook you up with the required vent and ducting to adapt to there kit?

[tdkosta]

Great question I hope someone has this solved with some pictures for me to follow by the time I'm ready to tackle it on my rig - you guys rock. I definately need the rear AC in AZ if I want to have the kids ride in back. Winter shouldn't be a problem, just remove the top and enjoy.

[haus]

thanks for all the replies and ideas guys!

to throw out some other ideas (that may or may not be worth a second look)... i don't know if they made it to the states or not, but several different styles of japanese trucks have a rear facing heater in the center console. and with the size of those consoles, you should be able to easily fit the heater box into a full size console and sill have space for other stuff.

if you rerouted the duct, like bouncytruck said, and had a hard "flattened" duct (dunno where one would exist but...) to span the distance of the tranny hump, it could be routed under the carpet - on the passenger side of the hump, and wouldn't be so noticable. maybe?

i'm wondering if the rear roof ac of the suburbans would fit under the back seat? and how big are the heaters like abebummy26 suggested? i can't find a good picture to judge size from. they look like about a half coffee can.

i can't wait to get this project rolling...

[PETEM1957]

Next time you are at the junk yard check out the full size and mini vans for an alternative A/C set up.

Full size Chevy & GM conversion vans with the rear a/c have a fairly compact Evaporator/heater core combo unit with a dual wheel blower set-up that cools a full size van pretty good.

I have a 1993 Chevy with the Mark III conversion that i plan on pulling and using the rear a/c in a 67 panel I picked up this spring including the Captains chairs and rear/rear electric fold down seat.

You will have to tee off and run the a/c lines, heater hoses and wiring but you can set it up with dual front rear controls to it also.

[bouncytruck]

If you made a console that went all the way to the dash, you could easily hide the ducting, maybe a amp or a sub too.

[MickMc]

I saw a rear heat only unit in a 1989+ suburban at u-pull-it.
It would be perfect in for a custom install.

It was in the pass rear corner of the suburban.

Mick